Summary
A recent California poll shows billionaire environmental activist Tom Steyer gaining support in the crowded California governor race, with 14 percent backing. The race is competitive and uses a top-two primary system, meaning the two candidates with the most votes in June will advance to the November election regardless of party.
Key Facts
- Tom Steyer has 14% support in a new California governor poll, up 4 points from earlier surveys.
- Republican Steve Hilton leads with 17%, and Democrat Eric Swalwell had 18% before he dropped out.
- Eric Swalwell exited the race due to sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies.
- California’s top-two primary means the two candidates with the most votes in June go to the general election, no matter their party.
- Five candidates had double-digit support in the poll: Swalwell, Hilton, Steyer, Chad Bianco (Republican), and Katie Porter (Democrat).
- Education, especially K-12 public schools, is a key issue for 84% of likely voters.
- Republican voters are mostly split between Hilton and Bianco; Democratic voters are divided among several candidates.
- The poll surveyed 1,604 California adults between March 26 and April 3, with a margin of error of ±3.2%.
